Westwood, Massachusetts
Westwood | |
|---|---|
Town | |
 | |
 Seal | |
  Westwood Location in Massachusetts | |
| Coordinates: 42°12′50″N 71°13′30″W / 42.21389°N 71.22500°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Norfolk |
| Incorporated | April 2, 1897 |
| Government | |
| • Government | Open town meeting Select Board |
| Area | |
| • Total | 11.1 sq mi (29 km2) |
| • Land | 11.0 sq mi (28 km2) |
| • Water | 0.15 sq mi (0.4 km2) |
| Elevation | 220 ft (70 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 16,266 |
| • Density | 1,500/sq mi (570/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code | 02090 |
| Area code(s) | 339 / 781 |
| Website | www |
Westwood is a town in Norfolk County, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, in the United States. In the 2020 census, 16,266 people lived there.[1] The town is about 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Boston.[2]
Westwood is a wealthy suburb, which is a smaller town near a big city where many people live and then travel into the city for work. It is known for its good schools.[2]
History
[change | change source]
Westwood was once part of the nearby town of Dedham and was called West Dedham. It became its own separate town on April 2, 1897.[3]
At first, people wanted to name the new town "Nahatan." But a state politician from a place called Nahant said the two names were too much alike. So the townspeople quickly chose the name "Westwood" instead, and the plan to create the town was approved.[3]
Geography
[change | change source]Westwood covers about 10.9 square miles (28 square kilometres).[2] It shares borders with several other towns in the Boston area, and much of the town is made up of homes, woods, and open land.
Government
[change | change source]Westwood uses a system called an "open town meeting". This means that any registered voter in the town can come to a meeting, speak, and vote on local laws and the town budget. A group of elected leaders called the Select Board runs the town from day to day.[2]
Education
[change | change source]Westwood is well known for its public schools.[2] The town runs five elementary schools (for younger children), one middle school, and one high school, called Westwood High School.[2]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ "QuickFacts: Westwood town, Norfolk County, Massachusetts". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 9, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Westwood". Massachusetts Municipal Association. Retrieved August 9, 2026.
- 1 2 "Town History". Town of Westwood, Massachusetts. Archived from the original on August 9, 2026. Retrieved August 9, 2026.
Municipalities and communities of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States | ||
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